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This two-story arched wooden structure once held 25 drums which, in combination with bells in the Bell Tower, were once used to indicate the time of day. Only one drum remains today, which is beaten four times a day for 15 minutes.

These are just two plain towers, with great views over the Beijing Skyline, but it is REALLY worth attending the Drums performance in the Drums Tower. It's an experience that you must really experience live.

This is a great building to view the surrounding area of the hutongs. We spent what little money it was (think 150CYN each) to visit both the Drum and Bell Tower. It was well worth the money! The views from the top were fantastic and...More

I followed the hike through the hutongs recommended in Lonely Planet's tour book to reach here. The stairs are indeed steep (see my photos), the views of the skyline, houhai lake, Beihai park, etc are magnificent, and the experience is worth it. Time it so...More

We visited the Bell and Drum Towers on a self tour, on our way to a Hutong meander
Our hotel gave us one of those "tear off" maps, highlighting pretty much anything of interest in Beijing. This was a featured attraction.
Shock! Very steep stairs!...More

It’s just two towers. No idea why lonely planet think this is a top ten. There are views at the top admittedly but nothing special. It’s cheap to visit so if you’re passing, go up. Otherwise don’t bother.

Visited the Bell and Drum Towers and while interested in the history, we were entranced with the tea drinking ceremony offered in the bell tower. A bit touristy but very interesting and educational. Adjacent tea shop provides opportunities to purchase the teas that are sampled....More

The impressive structures were used as time keepers. They are located near the Forbidden City and, for us, were the end point for our hutong rickshaw ride. They are at either end of an attractive square where locals were playing various board games. An interesting...More

Hi, I think there is an entrance fee, I could not say how much as we were on a guided tour where the entrance fees were paid by the guide who was taking us around Beijing. I would not expect the fee to be too much probably... More

Hi, I think there is an entrance fee, I could not say how much as we were on a guided tour where the entrance fees were paid by the guide who was taking us around Beijing. I would not expect the fee to be too much probably no more than 25 yuan £2-£3. The towers are well worth a visit the drum tower has a drum performance every hour and is well worth watching at the bell tower they have a traditional tea ceremony again worth doing. Hope this helps you. Enjoy your trip. If you have an email address i could send you some pictures if you would like me to. Regards Jimlee.

The times of the performances are 09:30, 10:00, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:45
Prepare yourself on a lot of steep steps to get there. The view from the top is beautiful.
Across the Drum Tower is Bell tower, you can visit... More

The times of the performances are 09:30, 10:00, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:45
Prepare yourself on a lot of steep steps to get there. The view from the top is beautiful.
Across the Drum Tower is Bell tower, you can visit that, I was not much impressed with that one.
While you are in the area it's worth visiting the old Beijing, Hutong, where you can try Chinese authentic food and shop for souvenirs and silk, or handmade fans. It's very charming and picturesque near the river surrounded with willow trees.